"My boys, while very bright, fell through the cracks of our highly competitive district pacing. Their reading and phonic skills were lacking. We started Sylvan when my sons were entering kindergarten and third grade. My older son was 2.7 years behind in reading and fluency. After 18 months in the program, both boys were a grade level above the grade they were about to enter. They are strong readers now. This program changed the course of my son's education. It was the best investment we ever made for our children."
- Barb D., previous Sylvan parent
"My daughter has been going to Sylvan for almost her entire year in first grade and I am so surprised at the changes that have happened to her. First and foremost she is happy. Her self confidence is so awesome. She is excited when she comes home from school to show me her papers. She loves to read to me. Her grades have dramatically improved. I would have never thought to get such great results in such little time. Sylvan explained to me by the end of first grade they will have her caught up and will not need to be held back and will be ready for second grade. I can actually believe that and it takes a big weight off my shoulders, I don't have to decide to hold her back or not. I would recommend Sylvan Learning Center to any troubled parent that is stuck and needs help with their child."
- Deanna, current Sylvan parent
"He (my son) began the reading tutoring in the spring of his second grade year and was tested at essentially a full year behind in most areas. The improvement in decoding skills, fluency and finally confidence was easy to see as we read together each night. His fluency testing at the school went from below grade level to 2 points shy of proficiency by the last testing in the spring. He went into 3rd grade this fall after the summer reading program with Sylvan had him testing at grade level. His first quarter grades reflected his improvement as he made the A honor roll. Sylvan has been a real godsend for us. We plan to enroll him this summer to now enrich and enhance his classroom success. Blake is a definite Sylvan success story!"
- Barb H., past and future Sylvan parent
"I want to start off by saying thank you so much for all you have done, not only for my son, but also for our whole family. Your staff has helped my son so much in reading and self-confidence. We can actually sit down and read a book without arguing, crying or getting too frustrated with one another. I have to say that this is one of the best decisions we have made in a long time."
- Dana, current Sylvan mom
"Our son was in the second grade and having difficulties with reading. After attending Sylvan, his reading ability surpassed grade level and his confidence soared! His love for reading is evident in the numerous chapter books he completes. We are so committed to the Sylvan program, that we are sending our second son to give him a jump start into kindergarten. We are also helping our fifth grade niece to attend Sylvan because she has fallen behind in basic study skills. Sylvan has been a wonderful program for our children and we would highly recommend it to others."
- Tim and Sherri, past and current Sylvan parents
"We started at Sylvan when our nephew came to live with us in 2001. He could not read a Dr. Seuss book when he was in the 4th grade. The school put him in an IEP for reading and we were told that it was something he would always have. We knew that Shawn didn't have a learning disability but that he never got the basic of learning how to read. We tried summer school but were very dissatisfied with it. We put Shawn in Sylvan for 1 1/2 years and saw immediate results. Shawn was out of his IEP classes by the 7th grade and was taken out of the IEP program all together by the 8th grade. Shawn graduated high school last year something I am sure that he wouldn't have done if we didn't put him in Sylvan to learn how to read."
- Sherri, past and current Sylvan parent
"I am writing in reference to the service my son received during the school year of 2007/2008 from the Gladstone Sylvan Learning Center. He went to Sylvan for improvement needed in writing, math, organization and study skills. I believe that without the assistance of Sylvan, Ben would not have been successful in his last year of middle school. The commitment and caring for the student shown by this group of teachers was exceptional! Ben has used the skills taught by Sylvan and will continue to use these skills through high school and hopefully into college. I would highly recommend Sylvan to any parent who has a student struggling through any subject."
- Christina, past Sylvan Parent
"My daughter attended the Gladstone Sylvan Learning Center for 2 years in 2007 and 2008. When she started, her comprehension was at the 4th grade level, however, she was in 9th grade. When she finished, her comprehension was at the 9th grade level. Not where she is in school, but an improvement. Sylvan scheduled regular progress meetings to see my daughter’s improvement and were always very encouraging. I would always see the Sylvan commercials on TV and wonder if it really works – now I know that it does and my daughter is a better student for attending."
- Marilyn, past Sylvan parent
